What’s New Archives

October 4, 2017

WBEA launches Community Odour Monitoring Program app to research odours in the RMWB. Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) has launched an app that allows community members to report information about the odours they experience in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The app was designed […]

September 19, 2017

June 16, 2017

Edmonton, Alberta – Alberta and Western Canada are now into the wildfire season and both Alberta and BC are currently experiencing wildfires. Wildfires can have a significant impact on the quality of the air we breathe. Air quality is monitored and reported in over 30 communities in Alberta. Alberta’s Airsheds […]

May 17, 2017

The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) 2017-2021 Strategic Plan captures, in a single document, what WBEA is about and what it seeks to achieve over the next five years. WBEA President, Cliff Dimm, said of the plan, “We believe that the strategic plan demonstrates the value of our successful multi-stakeholder, […]

April 13, 2017

The number, size and intensity of wildfires has been increasing over the last 30 years. What are the causes? What are the effects? On April 22, 2017 you’re invited to the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association’s Earth Day talks. Matt Landis, Ph.D., will explore the largest wildfire in Alberta’s history and the […]

June 15, 2016

During the city of Fort McMurray’s re-entry phase, WBEA will be publishing summaries of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels being monitored by six portable monitoring devices deployed throughout the city of Fort McMurray. Please click below to view PM2.5 data summaries for the following locations within the community: MacDonald Island Park – The […]

June 14, 2016

During the city of Fort McMurray’s re-entry phase, WBEA will be publishing summaries of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels being monitored by six portable monitoring devices deployed throughout the city of Fort McMurray. Please click below to view PM2.5 data summaries for the following locations within the community: MacDonald Island Park – […]

June 12, 2016

During the city of Fort McMurray’s re-entry phase, WBEA will be publishing summaries of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels being monitored by six portable monitoring devices deployed throughout the city of Fort McMurray. Please click below to view PM2.5 data summaries for the following locations within the community: MacDonald Island Park – […]

June 10, 2016

During the city of Fort McMurray’s re-entry phase, WBEA will be publishing summaries of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels being monitored by six portable monitoring devices deployed throughout the city of Fort McMurray. Please click below to view PM2.5 data summaries for the following locations within the community: Provincial Courthouse (downtown) – […]

June 9, 2016

During the city of Fort McMurray’s re-entry phase, WBEA will be publishing summaries of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels being monitored by six portable monitoring devices deployed throughout the city of Fort McMurray. Please click below to view PM2.5 data summaries for the following locations within the community: Provincial Courthouse (downtown) – […]

June 2, 2016

Please see below for a data summary (graphical and tabluar) of Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) readings in the Fort McMurray/Wood Buffalo area during the month of May: AQHI Readings in Wood Buffalo during Fort McMurray Wildfire – May 1 – May 31 ,2016 (Excel File)

May 18, 2016

Fort McMurray and surrounding communities are experiencing extremely high AQHI levels due to smoke from nearby forest fires. Please refer to Alberta Health Services for current Air Quality Advisories. Fort Chipewyan: AQHI is currently 2 (Low Risk). AQHI of 10 is forecasted for today, 5 for tonight and 2 for tomorrow. […]

May 16, 2016

A precautionary air quality advisory remains in the affect for all areas of the North Zone due to wildfires. Fort Chipewyan: Smoke (particulate matter) from the Fort McMurray fires is heading north. Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values of 7 are forecasted for today and tomorrow. Current particulate matter (PM) concentration at […]

May 12, 2016

A precautionary air quality advisory remains in the affect for all areas of the North Zone due to wildfires. Fort McMurray Region Fort Chipewyan: Smoke from the Fort McMurray fires is heading south. AQHI values of 3 are forecasted for today and 2 for tomorrow. Fort McMurray: Smoke (particulate matter) concentrations are […]

May 9, 2016

The following update was provided at 10:50am by Alberta Environment and Parks and Alberta Health: A precautionary air quality advisory remains in the affect for all areas of the North Zone due to wildfires. Fort Chipewyan: Smoke from the Fort McMurray fires is still impacting the community for the next […]

May 6, 2016

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) remains in the HIGH RISK category for the Fort McMurray area. As of 9pm yesterday evening, power was lost to the Anzac air monitioring station. The station is no longer reporting air quality data. We continue to closely monitor data from WBEA’s operating stations. […]

May 4, 2016

The city of Fort McMurray remains under a mandatory evacuation order due to wildfires burning in the community. At this time all WBEA staff are accounted for and safe. All of the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association’s (WBEA) Air Monitoring Stations remain intact and operating. However, due to the evacuation order, […]

The following pictures were snapped remotely from WBEA’s Patricia McInnes air monitoring station in Timberlea at 9:40pm this evening. Northwest facing: Northeast facing: Southwest Facing: Southeast facing: At this time, all WBEA air monitoring stations remain intact and are reporting air quality. Please follow WBEA on Twitter and Facebook for more frequent updates and […]

May 3, 2016

The city of Fort McMurray is currently under a mandatory evacuation order due to wildfires burning in the community. At this time, all of the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association’s (WBEA) Air Monitoring Stations remain intact and operating. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is still being calculated and reported on […]

August 18, 2015

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) has begun streaming continuous air quality data from a new air monitoring station, Conklin Lookout. This new monitoring station is the result of a partnership between WBEA, the Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA) and Environment Canada (EC). The […]

July 21, 2015

Click to read the Edmonton Journal article, published on July 21, 2015, about the results of some of WBEA’s forest health monitoring work… Oilsands emissions, dust may have fertilizing effect on nearby forests, report says

July 13, 2015

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) is pleased to announce a new addition to their senior staffing complement. Mr. Sanjay Prasad has been appointed as Director of Operations for the Association. Mr. Prasad has a great deal of experience that pertain to his new role at […]

June 29, 2015

Due to wildfires burning in the northern Alberta area, there is significant smoke throughout the region. The Fort McMurray Wildfire Management Area is experiencing hot temperatures and winds that are drying out the forest. We are now in a VERY HIGH Wildfire Danger Level. There are not any communities at immediate risk due […]

May 29, 2015

Due to wildfires burning in the region, WBEA has deployed monitoring equipment to temporarily measure Particulate Matter 2.5 in the community of Conklin. This temporary monitoring equipment will remain in place until further notice. Click to view: Conklin Particulate Matter Data This temporary monitoring equipment will remain in place until further […]

Due to wildfires burning in northern Alberta, air quality is expected to be variable across much of the North Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS) over the coming days, and potentially, weeks. As such, AHS is issuing a precautionary air quality advisory for the entire North Zone of AHS. Click […]

May 25, 2015

The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) would like invite all community members to attend the upcoming WBEA Community Open House to kick off Environment Week 2015… WHERE: WBEA Head Office, #330-100 Thickwood Blvd (on the corner of Thickwood Blvd & Woodland Drive) WHEN: Sunday, May 31st 1pm-5pm DETAILS: 2015 marks WBEA’s […]

April 30, 2015

The Terrestiral Environmental Effects Monitoring (TEEM) program has published a full procedure manual for the Forest Health Monitoring Program. The procedure manual is based upon scientific literature and protocols and contains all relevant plot details, field procedures, standard operating protocols and laboratory analysis procedures. TEEM Forest Health Monitoring Program Procedures […]

April 23, 2015

Are you an Anzac, Gregoire Lake or Cheecham Village area resident? Are you concerned about odours that sometimes occur in the Anzac & surrounding First Nations area? Do you want to know what causes these odours, and how often they occur? So do we. And you can help us find […]

April 16, 2015

The March edition of the WBEA@Work newsletter is now published… Please click to view the latest Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) Newsletter – WBEA@Work: WBEA@Work – March 2015 WBEA@Work is an update of the Association’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top […]

April 1, 2015

The Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA) is the provincial organization responsible for measuring, assessing and informing the public on key ambient air, water, land and biodiversity indicators. Click to view their March Newsletter for information on current environmental work and the latest developments. To read future issues, subscribe via […]

March 19, 2015

On March 14, 2014 WBEA President, Diane Phillips, and Executive Director, Dr. Kevin Percy, met with the Honourable Don Scott, QC, MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education and Deputy Government House Leader. MLA Scott was given an update on WBEA’s environmental monitoring work, in particular the […]

January 25, 2015

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) is pleased to welcome Fort McKay First Nation representative, Ryan Abel, B.Sc., B.Ed., to its Governance Committee. Ryan is the Environmental Lead, In Situ & Forestry with the Fort McKay First Nation, and he currently represents Fort McKay on the […]

January 20, 2015

Developments in the southern portion of the WBEA air shed (south of Fort McMurray and north of Lac La Biche), are expected to continue to increase over the next several decades. Find out how WBEA proposes to monitor this important area of our Municipality: PROPOSED Southern Monitoring Plan (article published in […]

December 27, 2014

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

November 24, 2014

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

November 7, 2014

The following positions are currently open within the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association: Senior AATC Field Technologist – Closes November 28, 2014 Senior Field Biologist – Closes November 28, 2014

Fort McMurray, Alberta – In its continued effort to better inform and engage with Aboriginal community members, the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) has translated its newest informational video into Cree and Dene languages. The video features the Association’s Community Odour Monitoring Project, and highlights findings from the pilot year. […]

October 17, 2014

WBEA’s Human Exposure Monitoring Program operates a Portable Monitoring Station that contains specialized odour detecting analyzers. In mid-September, the HEMP Portable was deployed to Anzac to monitor odours for a period of one year. The location of the portable is beside the Nexen Community Office, on Stony Mountain Road. Monitoring […]

August 28, 2014

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The newest video produced by Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) gives stakeholders and community members a detailed look at one of the Association’s newer monitoring programs – the Community Odour Monitoring Project. Odours have become a prominent issue in some communities in the Wood Buffalo region, […]

August 27, 2014

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to […]

August 1, 2014

As of 10am this morning, wildfire smoke is blowing into the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, causing elevated levels of Particulate Matter. There are currently 9 wildfires burning in the Fort McMurray Wildfire Management Area, and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development is actively assessing and constantly monitoring the situation at this […]

July 30, 2014

A new video is now available detailing the six-week intensive field study conducted by the Air Quality Research Division of Environment Canada, in collaboration with the Alberta-Canada Joint Oil Sands Monitoring (JOSM) partners. The study was done in the oil sands region during August and September of 2013, and included both […]

July 24, 2014

On Thursday, July 24th, WBEA welcomed visitors from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology on for discussions on future collaboration. From left to right at Randy Visser, WBEA Operations Manager; Chris Dambrowitz, PhD., Associate VP, Research and Innovation, NAIT; Neil Fassina, PhD., CHRP, Provost and VP Academic, NAIT; and […]

WBEA Summer 2014 is now published. Find out what we’ve been up to! Summer 2014 Community Report Contents: WBEA Membership How is Our Air Quality? Community Odour Monitoring Project 2013 Community-Based Air Monitoring Summary Fort McMurray’s Weather in 2013 and in Past Years New Fort Chipewyan Air Monitoring Station WBEA […]

July 17, 2014

CBC French television visited Fort McMurray in June to learn more about WBEA’s Community Odour Monitoring Program. Check out the story that ran on CBC French television two days ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XebKulsPH8o&feature=youtu.be

June 13, 2014

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) elected a new Governance Committee at the Association’s 16th Annual General Members meeting on Wednesday in Fort McMurray. Made up of two Aboriginal members, three industry members, one government member and one environmental non-government member, the new Governance Committee is […]

May 14, 2014

Are you a Fort McMurray resident? Are you concerned about odours that sometimes occur in the Fort McMurray area? Do you want to know what causes these odours, and how often they occur? So do we. And you can help us find out! Through its Human Exposure Monitoring Program, WBEA […]

May 8, 2014

Fort McMurray, Alberta –The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) has taken another important step toward full transparency by posting its Standard Operating Procedures for ambient air monitoring on the Association’s website, www.wbea.com. WBEA operates an extensive air quality monitoring network that includes 16 continuous ambient air monitoring stations located throughout the […]

April 30, 2014

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

April 24, 2014

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) is reaching out to Cree and Dene speaking community members through an informational video that has been translated into both Cree and Dene native languages. The video gives stakeholders and community members an insider’s look at WBEA’s extensive air monitoring […]

April 8, 2014

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) is pleased to announce that its Board, comprised of 38 members from industry, government, Aboriginal groups, and ENGOs, today passed a budget of $13.7 million for the 2014/2015 fiscal year. While the approved $13.7 million budget leaves WBEA with a […]

April 1, 2014

The Community Odour Monitoring Project group in Fort McMurray will be hosting a quarterly meeting for project volunteers on April 1, 2014. All members of the Community Odour Monitoring Panel are invited to attend. As with the two previous quarterly meetings, this will be another opportunity for volunteers to get […]

February 26, 2014

Monitoring human exposure to odours in the region is part of a long-term strategy of WBEA. The main objective of WBEA’s Fort McMurray Community Odour Monitoring Project is to involve the community in identifying and monitoring odours in the air in order to determine the impact on residents. Please click […]

February 6, 2014

The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association is currently seeking an Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Field Technologist to join our Fort McMurray group. Reporting to our Field Supervisor you will: Complete routine maintenance on ambient air quality monitoring equipment Work with the technical team on various ambient air quality monitoring projects Work […]

January 18, 2014

Total E&P Canada Limited (TEPCA) is planning to conduct wood burning at the Josyln North Mine site commencing on or about January 08, 2014 until March 31, 2014. All required permits have been obtained. The selected burning area has been isolated and safely assessments and risk analysis have been conducted […]

January 14, 2014

The Community Odour Monitoring Project group in Fort McMurray will be hosting a quarterly meeting for project volunteers on January 14th. The Community Odour Monitoring Project group in Fort McMurray will be hosting a quarterly meeting for project volunteers on January 14th. All members of the Community Odour Monitoring Panel […]

January 6, 2014

Canadian Natural is conducting brush pile burning at the South Mine site starting on January 01, 2014 until January 31, 2014. Depending on the wind conditions smoke may drift from the South Mine area of the plant. For that reason CNRL will be burning a limited amount of piles every […]

December 31, 2013

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

December 19, 2013

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) is giving stakeholders and community members a firsthand, insider’s look at their air monitoring network through a new video. The short video explains exactly how WBEA goes about the job of continuously monitoring and reporting air quality for the Regional […]

December 18, 2013

Find out what WBEA has been up to! Read about our second year of work with the Fort McKay Traditional Knowledge Berry Focus Group Learn about the vital role that weather plays in air pollution transportation and dispersion Get the results of ambient air quality monitoring conducted in the community […]

December 4, 2013

Shell Canada Energy is planning to conduct brush burning at Muskeg River Mine and Jackpine Mine from Dec 1 to Dec 22, 2013. Job Safety and Risk Assessments have been conducted to mitigate risks associated with this work; all required permits have been obtained. For more information please contact: Shell […]

November 28, 2013

Fort McMurray, Alberta – Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) Executive Director, Dr. Kevin Percy, has accepted an invitation from the Canadian Council of Academies (CCA) to sit on an expert panel that will be assessing new and emerging technologies to reduce the environmental impact of oil sands development. The CCA […]

October 16, 2013

Shaw TV Fort McMurray came in to WBEA in mid September to find out more about how we monitor air quality in the Wood Buffalo region. Check out the story on their You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9b0poyKuEc&feature=c4-overview&list=UUH1v6bvpnIGZIeDvrgJMJPQ

October 7, 2013

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The membership of the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) has grown again. Three new members were welcomed to the table at the Association’s General Member’s meeting in September; the Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, the Christina River Dene Nation Council, and the Chipewyan Prairie Dene First […]

October 1, 2013

The Community Odour Monitoring Project group in Fort McMurray will be hosting a quarterly meeting for project volunteers on October 1st. All members of the Community Odour Monitoring Panel are invited to attend. This will be an opportunity for volunteers to get together with other fellow volunteers, project organizers and […]

September 30, 2013

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

August 12, 2013

Fort McMurray, AB – A comprehensive environmental field study to gather information on air contaminants in the Wood Buffalo region will occur from August 12 to mid-September 2013. The collaborative study between government, non-government, university and community partners will collect both airborne and ground-based measurements to determine how air pollutants […]

July 31, 2013

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

July 5, 2013

As of 8am today, the community of Fort McMurray is experiencing elevated levels of particulate matter due to wildfire smoke blowing into the region. The Air Quality Health Index for Fort McMurray is currently reading a 7 – which is in the High Risk zone. The ‘General’ population should consider […]

July 4, 2013

As of 3pm today, the Fort McKay area is experiencing elevated levels of particulate matter due to wildfire smoke blowing into the region from the North West Territories. The Air Quality Health Index is currently reading an 8 in the community of Fort McKay, and a 7 in the Fort […]

June 18, 2013

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) welcomed three new members to their table at the Association’s 15th Annual General Meeting on June 12th; the Fort McMurray Métis Local 1935, Parks Canada and Brion Energy. WBEA’s membership voted unanimously to accept the new members, bringing the Associations […]

June 9, 2013

WBEA is holding a Community Open House today to celebrate Environment Week 2013, and our 15 years of environmental monitoring in the RMWB. Learn about air quality and terrestrial environmental effects monitoring and reporting in our Region, meet our staff, and view our air quality analyzers in operation, free barbecue, […]

June 5, 2013

What The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) is holding a Community Open House to celebrate Environment Week 2013, and our 15 years of environmental monitoring in the RMWB. Where WBEA Main office (#100-330 Thickwood Blvd) When 12pm-5pm, Sunday, June 9th Who The event will be attended by: Honourable Mayor, Melissa […]

May 24, 2013

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) is pleased to announce two new additions to their senior staffing compliment. Dr. Tom Clair joins WBEA as the new Lead Scientist for the Association and Mr. Jean-Guy Zakrevsky as the new Program Manager for WBEA’s Ambient Air Technical Program […]

May 20, 2013

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WBEA MOBILE AIR MONITORING STATION IS CURRENTLY UNDER REPAIR. THE MOBILE UNIT IS NOT CURRENTLY MEASURING AIR QUALITY DATA. THE MOBILE UNIT WILL BE DEPLOYED TO THE GREGOIRE LAKE ESTATES AREA AGAIN ONCE REPAIRS ARE COMPLETE.

May 14, 2013

Find out what we’ve been up to! Read about key results from WBEA’s new text, ”Alberta Oil Sands: Energy, Industry and the Environment” Get the details about WBEA’s upcoming open house Learn the Air Quality Health Index Numbers for the RMWB in 2012 Find out about WBEA’s Community Odour Monitoring […]

May 7, 2013

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA), through its Human Exposure Monitoring Program (HEMP), is launching a new community-based odour monitoring project in Fort McMurray. The project is a result of a new focus and direction for HEMP. WBEA Executive Director, Dr. Kevin Percy, PhD, explains, “In […]

April 26, 2013

As many RMWB residents already know, odours have become a prominent issue in some communities in the Wood Buffalo region. As a result, the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA), through its Human Exposure Monitoring Program (HEMP), is launching a community-based odour monitoring project. For this new initiative, WBEA is looking […]

February 28, 2013

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

January 31, 2013

Fort McMurray, Alberta – In November of 2012 the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) published a detailed book that, for the first time, synthesizes the results and concepts of WBEA’s 2008-2012 scientifically enhanced monitoring work, and offers a wide ranging look at significant environmental indicators of air quality and the […]

January 23, 2013

ConocoPhillips will be conducting brush burning at its Surmont Operation from January 24 – February 7, 2013. All required permits have been obtained. Smoke may drift from the site. A job hazard assessment has been completed to ensure that steps are taken to minimize the impact this will have in […]

January 22, 2013

Hammerstone Corporation Quarry Operations is planning to burn a few wood piles at Muskeg Valley Quarry from January 21 – February 5, 2013. A wood burning permit has been obtained. The selected burning area has been isolated, job hazard analysis and field level risk assessments have been conducted, and all […]

January 8, 2013

Fort McMurray, Alberta – A representative of the Fort McKay Métis community was elected to the Governance Committee of the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) in December 2012. Peter Fortna, Manager of Sustainable Development with the Fort McKay Métis has joined WBEA’s Governance Committee as the new Secretary/Treasurer. WBEA Executive […]

January 7, 2013

Canadian Natural will perform brush pile burning at their north mine site starting on January 07, 2013 until March 31, 2013. Depending on the wind conditions, smoke may drift from the north of the plant. For this reason, CNRL will be burning a limited amount of piles every day. For […]

January 2, 2013

Total E&P Canada Limited (TEPCA) is planning to conduct wood burning at the Josyln North Mine site commencing on or about January 2, 2013 until March 31, 2013. All required permits have been obtained. The selected burning area has been isolated and safely assessments and risk analysis have been conducted […]

November 30, 2012

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

November 23, 2012

CNRL will be conducting brush pile burning on the west side of the tailings pond. This will be ongoing form November 23rd 2012 and last approx. 30 days. Smoke may drift from the burning operations. However, smoke should be minimal as it is all dry wood from previous brush clearing.

September 30, 2012

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

September 21, 2012

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) has launched an iOS application this week that brings real-time Alberta Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) readings to Apple mobile device users with the touch of a finger. The app, designed for use on Apple devices such as the iPhone, […]

August 30, 2012

Find out what we’ve been up to! Our WBEA Community Report – Summer 2012 features information about air quality trends, our innovative environmental monitoring work, our scientists and staff, and much more. Hard copies of the report will be distributed via Canada Post to all households within the RMWB during the week […]

July 9, 2012

June 30, 2012

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

June 28, 2012

On May 22nd WBEA members gathered with the late Bertha Ganter’s family members, Fort McKay community members and elders at the Fort McKay Air Monitoring Station to celebrate Bertha’s memory by re-naming the station in her honor. The station is now officially called the “Bertha Ganter Fort McKay Community Air […]

June 19, 2012

Fort McMurray, Alberta – A new President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and Director were elected to the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) Governance Committee at the Association’s Annual General Meeting last week. Diane Phillips, Syncrude Canada Ltd., was elected President of the Association, Nick Veriotes, Total E&P Canada Ltd., was elected […]

June 3, 2012

June 2, 2012

The following message was posted on the Wood Buffalo Air Information Line (1-866-685-3699) at 5:30pm, Sunday, June 3rd: This message is from the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association at 5:30pm, on Sunday, June 3rd. As of 5:30pm this evening, the areas of Fort McKay and Fort McMurray are experiencing elevated levels of […]

June 1, 2012

The following message was posted on the Wood Buffalo Air Information Line (1-866-685-3699) at 10am, Saturday, June 2nd: This message is from the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association at 10am on Saturday, June 2nd. As of 10am this morning, the areas of Fort McKay and Fort McMurray are experiencing elevated levels […]

May 31, 2012

The following message was posted on the Wood Buffalo Air Information Line (1-866-685-3699) at 10pm on Friday, June 1st: This message is from the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association at 10pm on Friday, June 1st. As of 10pm this evening, the community of Fort McKay and surrounding area is experiencing elevated […]

The following message was posted on the Wood Buffalo Air Information Line (1-866-685-3699) at 10am on Friday, June 1st: As of 10am this morning, wildfire smoke is blowing into the community of Fort Chipewyan causing elevated levels of Particulate Matter. Winds from the south west are bringing smoke into the […]

May 15, 2012

WBEA has set up a portable air monitoring station (AMS 101) in the community of Conklin. AMS 101 is parked at Wendy Tremblay’s house and will be in the community from May – August. This is a follow up to the monitoring that WBEA did in Conklin in 2009, and […]

May 7, 2012

THIS POSTING IS NOW CLOSED. The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association is currently seeking an Ambient Air Monitoring Field Technician to join our Fort McMurray group. Reporting to our Operations Manager you will: Complete routine maintenance on ambient air monitoring equipment Work with the technical team on various ambient air monitoring […]

April 30, 2012

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

March 14, 2012

The daily Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) forecast is published daily in the Fort McMurray Today newspaper for the Fort McMurray & Fort McKay ares. Look for the forecast on page 2 of the newspaper! Real-time readings can also be found 24hrs/day right here on our website.

March 5, 2012

Hammerstone Corporation Quarry Operations is planning to burn a few Wood piles at Muskeg Valley Quarry from March 2 – March 11, 2012. A wood burning permit has been obtained. The selected burning area has been isolated, job hazard analysis and field level risk assessments have been conducted, and all […]

February 29, 2012

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

February 23, 2012

It’s now even easier to know the AQHI numbers! WBEA is now streaming real-time Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) readings on LCD screens at the Suncor Leisure Centre (MacDonald Island). The AQHI, is a tool designed to help you understand what the air quality around you means to your health. […]

February 1, 2012

Message from Long Lake Operations (posted 10am, Wednesday, February 1, 2012): As Long Lake achieves more stable operation, occasional process upsets may occur. As a result there is potential for intermittent flaring and odours. The ERCB (Energy and Resources Conservation Board) has been notified and we will be monitoring the […]

January 31, 2012

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

January 18, 2012

Find out what we’ve been up to! Our WBEA Community Report – Winter 2012 features information about air quality trends, our innovative environmental monitoring work, our scientists and staff, and much, much more. Hard copies of the report will be distributed via Canada Post to all households within the RMWB during the […]

January 2, 2012

Total E&P Canada Limited (TEPCA) is planning to conduct wood burning at the Josyln North Mine site commencing on or about January 20, 2012 until March 31, 2012. All required permits have been obtained. The selected burning area has been isolated and safely assessments and risk analysis have been conducted […]

December 7, 2011

WBEA now has a Facebook page to help us keep in even better touch with our stakeholders and the public. The page features general information about WBEA and our work, events, photographs, videos and the latest WBEA news. ‘Like’ us on Facebook, click here to visit our page: WBEA Facebook […]

December 2, 2011

WBEA’s new electronic message centre for the display of the regional Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) became operational on November 22, 2011. It is located at WBEA headquarters on the corner of Thickwood Blvd. and Signal Road, in Fort McMurray. In this location the message centre is viewed by many […]

December 1, 2011

Hammerstone Corporation Quarry Operations is Planning to Burn few Woodpiles At Muskeg Valley Quarry on December 1, 2011 at 6:00pm. A wood burning Permit has been obtained. THE SELECTED BURNING AREA HAS BEEN ISOLATED, JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS & FILED LEVEL RISK ASSESSMENTS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED AND ALL NECESSARY SAFETY MEASURES AND RISK MITIGATION STEPS […]

November 14, 2011

A new, one-stop web portal makes it easy to find detailed information on the environmental performance of Alberta’s oil sands facilities. Searchable data highlighting such things as facility-specific water use, greenhouse gas emissions, tailings pond size and land disturbance and reclamation is part of Alberta’s ongoing work to make oil […]

October 31, 2011

WBEA@Work is an update of WBEA’s latest news and developments. WBEA@Work is an interactive pdf file with live links along the top and right side of the page which will take you directly into articles and feature stories. The newsletter is best viewed in Full Screen mode (note: to return […]

September 30, 2011

Fort McMurray, Alberta – Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment and Hammerstone Corporation have joined the General Membership of the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA). WBEA’s membership voted unanimously to accept the new members at its 114th General Member’s meeting on Wednesday, September 14th, 2011. Murray Hilderman, Air Policy Architect, Technical Resources […]

September 29, 2011

The wildfire approximately 20 kilometres south of Fort McMurray (MWF 075) is classified as under control at 581 hectares. This means that the fire has received enough suppression action to ensure no further spread. Two helicopters, 80 firefighters and various heavy equipment are on scene today. The fireguard is […]

September 27, 2011

The wildfire approximately 20 kilometres south of Fort McMurray (MWF 075) has not grown significantly due to firefighters’ quick response, lower temperatures and higher humidity. The size remains approximately 581 hectares. Six helicopters, 80 firefighters and various heavy equipment are on scene today. Highway 63 is open to traffic. A […]

September 26, 2011

There is a wildfire burning approximately 20 kilometres south of Fort McMurray. If you have concerns about smoke-related health issues please visit myhealth.Alberta.ca or dial Health Link Alberta: 1-866-408-LINK-(5465). At this time, there is no threat to the community from the wildfire. The wildfire is approximately 581 hectares in size. RCMP […]

September 19, 2011

Fort McMurray, Alberta – Today the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) launched its new and improved website at www.wbea.com. In addition to the updated look and feel, the new website provides a number of new tools and features for public and member users. One of the most important changes to note […]

September 6, 2011

In January 2011, a group of independent experts were chosen to help create a world-class environmental monitoring system in north-eastern Alberta that spans across all areas – air, land, water, and bio-diversity – which would then be expanded province-wide. The Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel delivered its recommendations to the Minister […]

August 5, 2011

WBEA released its Summer 2011 Report to the Community this week. The Summer 2011 report features air monitoring results from the 2010 monitoring year within the Athabasca Oil Sands Region, updates on other WBEA environmental monitoring work, and future plans for WBEA’s Human Environmental Monitoring Program (HEMP). Click to download […]

July 25, 2011

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Kevin Percy, Ph.D. has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association, effective July 18th. Dr. Percy first joined WBEA in January 2009 as the Association’s Lead Scientist. In the […]

July 13, 2011

Edmonton, Alberta – Alberta is adopting a modified federal Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to give Albertans the most timely and relevant information to plan their outdoor activities. The Governments of Canada and Alberta have worked together to develop an air quality reporting system for Alberta that takes advantage of […]